Annie was 'tossed' off the captain's chair by the scruff of her neck.
"Are you tired?" Zhao Chen looked at Annie with a half-smile.
Annie clasped her hands behind her back, her right foot drawing circles on the floor, her expression somewhat embarrassed.
"I... I... isn't it just that... I'm radiant when I see you."
As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Chen tapped her on the head.
"Be serious," Zhao Chen said.
"I just want a little bonus... Although I'm currently receiving the Food Allowance of a Deputy Captain... once we return to the Fierce Dragon Star System, I still have to take care of my mother and younger siblings... that's five mouths to feed..." Annie muttered softly.
Zhao Chen looked at Annie's 'little adult' demeanor.
"You did do well this time. Later, I'll specially approve a month's Food Allowance for you," Zhao Chen finally granted Annie a bonus as encouragement.
Annie immediately beamed with joy, spreading her arms and lunging toward Zhao Chen: "Commander, I knew you were the best to me. I love you to death."
Zhao Chen pressed one hand against Annie's chubby little face: "First, explain this construction plan of yours."
Annie chuckled, immediately straightened her attitude, and began to explain.
"Based on your requirement to build a T3 Stargate.
If we rely entirely on T2 Hammer-class Heavy Interstellar Industrial Ships to undertake the construction task, with ten T2 Hammer-class Heavy Interstellar Industrial Ships working simultaneously, it will take two months.
However, if we arrange for an industrial base on a planet to produce some mid-to-low-end components and modules, and then transport them to the 'Stargate Construction Site,'
we can shorten the construction time by 30%!
Additionally, because we currently lack sufficient raw materials, I've divided the project into several phases. As long as the raw materials arrive before each phase begins, the current phase won't be affected.
The Stargate in our Fierce Dragon Star System should be completed by the end of July, barring any unexpected issues.
The Stargate in the Lion King Star System can be completed by the end of August. We can have the planets under my father's jurisdiction take on the production tasks for some mid-to-low-end components.
As for the raw materials, we'll use Interstellar Transport Ships to deliver them when the time comes. Although it's a bit troublesome, there's no other way.
Here are the detailed construction steps..."
Zhao Chen listened as Annie explained step by step, her presentation comprehensive and clear.
The two Stargates would be connected, with the expected operational date before the end of August.
Although theoretically, once the Stargate in the Fierce Dragon Star System is completed, it could be connected to other Stargates,
for now, without absolute certainty, Zhao Chen would not connect to external Stargates. In the short term, it was impossible.
Now, everything was ready except for the east wind.
No, it should be said, everything was ready except for the raw materials.
Just before Zhao Chen's fleet was about to use warp navigation from the Arctic Fox System border to head to the Fierce Dragon Star System,
Li Yaqi finally contacted Zhao Chen, saying that Red Eyes was willing to negotiate a deal with him.
At the scheduled time, Zhao Chen entered a holographic image room.
Across the table, as promised, was the masked girl with red eyes.
"I heard you want to cooperate with me?" Red Eyes stared at Zhao Chen from behind her mask, her crimson gaze fixed on him, her tone icy cold.
"Yes," Zhao Chen replied.
"The details of the cooperation have already been explained to me by Li Yaqi.
You want five billion Star Coins worth of raw materials, delivered through a sufficiently discreet route.
What is the destination?" Red Eyes inquired.
"The border of the Fierce Dragon Star System," Zhao Chen provided a set of coordinates.
Although these coordinates revealed that Zhao Chen was located in the Fierce Dragon Star System, they were still some distance away from the site where he intended to construct the Stargate.
Even so, there was still a risk of exposure.
But this was unavoidable—where there are plans, there are risks, and that cannot be helped.
"Is there a time requirement?" Red Eyes asked again.
Zhao Chen said, "Multiple shipments are acceptable, but all deliveries must be completed by the end of July."
It was currently the end of May, giving him two months.
"According to my rules, this transaction requires a 30% commission. Is that acceptable?" Red Eyes stated her fee.
"Acceptable," Zhao Chen agreed.
Although it was somewhat expensive, for the sake of the Stargate, this sacrifice was acceptable.
After all, he still had his 'father-in-law' backing him up.
Red Eyes continued, "Within these two months, I will deliver the five billion Star Coins worth of raw materials to your specified location in two to three shipments.
Once the five billion Star Coins worth of raw materials are in place, you will need to pay me a commission of 1.5 billion Star Coins. I accept any form of payment, including Empire Accounts or Galactic Alliance Accounts."
Both Empire Accounts and Galactic Alliance Accounts have high levels of confidentiality and Authority. Unless an individual is deemed extremely dangerous and a public investigation into their account information is announced, even the royal family has no right to access them.
It is precisely because of this level of confidentiality that Empire Accounts and Galactic Alliance Accounts are highly trusted, even by those operating in gray industries.
"Then it's settled," Red Eyes said before abruptly cutting off the communication.
Her efficiency was truly straightforward.
He wondered what connections she had to secure five billion Star Coins worth of raw materials.
Zhao Chen had calculated that her methods likely amounted to 'smuggling.' In smuggling, the entire procurement and transportation process would incur certain costs. Based on the additional 10% or so in costs, she would still retain a 5% commission.
If this transaction went smoothly, he could engage in more dealings with this Miss Red Eyes in the future, effectively broadening his network.
With the deal with Red Eyes finalized,
Zhao Chen's fleet soon arrived at the Interstellar Frontier Space. After a lengthy period of warp navigation,
by mid-June,
Zhao Chen's T3 Blizzard, accompanied by six T2 Hammer-class Heavy Interstellar Industrial Ships, arrived in the Fierce Dragon Star System.
This was his second time returning to the Fierce Dragon Star System.
Due to the previous 'internal strife and conflict,' which involved the purge and departure of a group of nobles, the Fierce Dragon Star System had declined significantly compared to before.
However, compared to the past, there were also fewer troublesome matters to deal with.
Under the management of Jiang Hong, arranged by Eldest Sister, things were still relatively orderly.
Zhao Chen did not return to his Fierce Dragon Prime but headed directly toward the star system's border.
After approximately half a day of travel, the seven Starships exited warp navigation mode.
Before their eyes lay an Asteroid Belt.
The fleet slowed its Speed and gradually entered the Asteroid Belt. Following over ten minutes of conventional navigation, the fleet passed through the Asteroid Belt.
At that moment, a planet appeared before Zhao Chen and the others.
"Are my mother and younger siblings living here?" Annie, somewhat excited, nearly pressed herself against the viewport window.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!